The activities of the “Iuliu Paul” Institute of Systemic Archaeology are structured around a series of overarching programmes that bring together fundamental and applied research, specialist training, heritage protection, and the dissemination of results to the academic community and the wider public.

Systemic and Interdisciplinary Archaeological Research

This programme investigates past human communities by correlating archaeological evidence with data from the natural and social sciences and by employing modern investigative technologies. The research topics cover a broad chronological span, from the Neolithic to Antiquity, while remaining open to other historical periods.

The research focuses, among other subjects, on settlement organisation, material culture, resource exploitation, agricultural and food-related practices, technologies, relationships between human communities and the natural environment, social organisation, and symbolic expressions.

Field, Preventive and Rescue Archaeology

The Institute’s archaeologists conduct systematic, preventive, and rescue archaeological investigations, as well as archaeological diagnostic, evaluation, and monitoring activities, in accordance with current legislation and professional standards.

Preventive investigations are undertaken in areas affected by construction projects, spatial planning, or infrastructure development in order to identify, document, investigate, and protect archaeological heritage. When archaeological remains are at risk of destruction or are discovered by chance, the Institute’s specialists may carry out rescue interventions to recover and document archaeological information and materials.

The programme includes the rigorous investigation and documentation of archaeological contexts, the preparation of plans and field records, the collection of samples for interdisciplinary analyses, the processing and primary conservation of archaeological finds, the preparation of specialist reports, and the scientific dissemination of results.

Particular attention is given to the use of modern and non-invasive investigative methods, the reduction of the impact of archaeological interventions on sites, and the integration of research results into strategies for the sustainable conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.

Applied Sciences in Archaeology and Digital Technologies

The programme supports the integration of archaeobotany, archaeozoology, anthropology, geoarchaeology, archaeometry, microscopic and microstructural analyses, organic residue analysis, isotope studies, and absolute dating methods into archaeological research.

It also promotes the use of GIS, photogrammetry, 3D modelling, remote sensing, databases, and digital methods for documenting, analysing, interpreting, and presenting archaeological heritage. These activities are developed through both the Institute’s own infrastructure and collaborations with partner laboratories and research centres.

Research Projects and Institutional Partnerships

The Institute seeks to initiate and implement research projects funded through national and international calls. To this end, it encourages the creation of interdisciplinary teams and the development of partnerships with universities, research institutes, museums, laboratories, and other institutions from Romania and abroad.

The proposed projects aim both to advance major research topics and to develop research infrastructure, train early-career specialists, and increase the international visibility of the results obtained.

Scientific Services and Specialist Expertise

Depending on its available expertise and infrastructure, the Institute provides archaeological research and specialist services to public institutions, local authorities, museums, organisations, businesses, and other beneficiaries.

These services may include archaeological assessments and diagnostic investigations, preventive and rescue archaeological research, archaeological monitoring, site documentation and recording, sample collection and analysis, the processing of archaeological materials, the preparation of specialist reports, and recommendations concerning heritage protection and enhancement.

Through these activities, the Institute contributes both to the scientific investigation of archaeological heritage and to the protection of remains affected or potentially affected by construction, infrastructure development, and spatial planning projects.